Author and activist Zoleka Mandela has been openly documenting her cancer treatment journey on social media. Recently, Zoleka Mandela shared some significant updates regarding her health status.
Also read: Watch: Critically ill Zoleka Mandela discloses she’s planning her death
Zoleka Mandela health update
In a recent Instagram post, the author of “When Hope Whispers” shared a video of herself, radiating positivity with her signature smile. The caption revealed some concerning news about her health.
On 17th September 2023, she underwent a CT scan which revealed the presence of blood clots and fibrosis in her lung. This diagnosis explained the chest pains she had been experiencing.
She wrote, “My Medical Oncologist has recommended blood thinners and Oral Chemo. On the upside, I’m incredibly grateful that I am still treatable! I’m off to bed … Good night … Good morning, beloved hearts! Love, the Oros Lady (I feel like my face just gets more rotund and puffy by the day!) Peace. Passion. Positivity.”
Zoleka Mandela health: Cancer History
Zoleka Mandela, granddaughter of the late South African former president Nelson Mandela and ANC stalwart Winnie Madikizela Mandela, has been battling cancer for quite some time. In August of the previous year, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer in her lungs, liver, ribs, spinal cord, and hips. Prior to this, she had been diagnosed with and successfully overcome breast cancer twice.
Preparing for the Inevitable
In April, the mother of six shared that she was at a stage in her life where she was planning for her last days on earth and beyond.
During a conversation with Phemelo Motene on Kaya FM’s Point of View, Zoleka opened up about how she is preparing for her death. She said, “It will probably sound strange but, I think I am blessed or fortunate enough to be in a position where I am in my planning stages. I am having conversations with my loved ones, lawyer, therapist and siblings to discuss what happens on the day and after I pass away.”
She further added that she is learning to be okay with her eventuality and to live despite an expected death. She also mentioned that she is continuously evaluating many facets of her life which she finds empowering. She concluded by saying that she feels fortunate to have a say in matters concerning her life, especially with regard to her children.